Lycoming College chemistry professor awarded grant

Dr. Chriss McDonald, professor of chemistry at Lycoming College, has been approved for a $65,000 grant from the Petroleum Research Fund, administered by the American Chemical Society.

McDonald's grant proposal was titled "The Characterization and Synthetic Utility of Complexes Made from Samarium Diiodide and Anionic Phosphoramide Ligands." The submission took approximately three months to write and was based on initial results from studies conducted during a six-month period by McDonald and 2012 Lycoming graduate David Sampsell.

The $65,000 will be used to provide stipends for Lycoming students conducting research during the next three summers. Additional funds will be used to buy consumables and equipment for the Department of Chemistry, which has maintained an active student-faculty summer research program since 1988.

Founded in 1812 and celebrating its bicentennial during the 2011-12 academic year, Lycoming College is a national liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. It offers 35 academic majors and is recognized as a Tier 1 educational institution by U.S. News & World Report. Located near the banks of the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation.